Radiating Pain vs. Referred Pain

Radiating Pain vs. Referred Pain

Many patients come to my office with pain that radiates. If you have radiating pain that means that your pain begins in one place and travels to another location along the path of a nerve. Radiating pain (aka radicular pain) typically stems from back pain with nerve irritation that causes pain down the leg, or neck pain with nerve pain into the arms and hands. Radiating pain follows specific nerves, while referred pain is more general and can occur in many places around an injured tissue.

Whether you have radiating or referred pain, chiropractic care can often help. Adjustments of the spine can help with pain localized around the spine, as well as pain that travels out from the spine.

Common causes of radiating pain:

• intervertebral disc bulges
• herniated discs
• pinched nerves (ex. sciatica)
• osteophytes (bone spurs)
• spinal degeneration (arthritis)
• joint cysts
• overstretched nerves (burners or stingers)

Common causes of referred pain:

• joint inflammation
• muscular trigger points
• sprains
• strains
• whiplash injuries
• organ pain (ex. heart pain referred to the left arm)

It is important to first find the origin of pain and follow up with appropriate treatment. If you are interested in a FREE consultation to find out if we can help you, just call 513-444-4529. 

 

Dr. Kauffman is a licensed chiropractor in Loveland, OH. He serves patients in Cincinnati and the areas of Mason Ohio, Lebanon Ohio, West Chester Ohio, and Loveland Ohio. Please call us today at 513-444-4529 for an appointment with your Loveland Ohio chiropractor, Dr. Kauffman.